One day while at an appointment with my Dietitian, she said to me, “You know Gabby, your gut has a memory and is practically a brain in itself.” That line stuck with me three years later and it should be with you too. As a Nutritional Sciences student, completing research about caring for your gut has not only played a critical role in my academic success but as well as my personal life.
Signs of an Unhealthy Gut
Two years ago, I went on a gluten-free diet because I found out that I was borderline Celiac Disease. I noticed every time I ate pasta, bread, and baked goods, I would feel bloated and experience severe abdominal pain. Not only did the gluten affect my digestive system but also my energy level. After the constant fatigue and brain fog feeling, I decided to revisit my gastroenterologist and Dietician.
After discovering my food intolerances and avoiding gluten, I began to feel more energized. I knew I was directing my gut in the right direction but wanted to help it along the process. I introduced probiotics into my daily routine to help reduce inflammation and repair my gut lining.
Gut-Friendly Foods!
Next time you go food shopping, keep an eye out for prebiotic sources. An easy way to incorporate prebiotics into your diet is by cooking with garlic, onions, or shallots. Eating prebiotics stimulates the healthy bacteria in your gut. One of my top favorite sources of probiotics and prebiotics is kefir. Kefir contains over 30 species of probiotics and raises the number of good bacteria in your gut. It is important to have more good bacteria than bad ones in your gut. Another great source of prebiotics is yogurt! Yogurt contains live cultures which boost your gut microbiota. Along with protecting your gut, Greek yogurt is also a great source of protein and calcium! Eating yogurt with blueberries is a great way to start your day while fighting inflammation! My favorite go-to breakfast is Trader Joe’s blueberry yogurt topped with granola!